From 1870 to Today: Crédit Agricole’s journey in the UK

Driven by the Franco-Prussian War, Crédit Lyonnais opened a branch in the City of London in 1870, when London stood as the world’s financial capital. This move marked the Bank’s first step into the international arena, confirming its global ambitions from an early stage.
Just three years later, in 1873, the newly established London branch was put to the test by a stock market crash. Despite this turmoil, Crédit Lyonnais established itself as a key player in Franco-British financing, particularly in the rapidly growing industrial and railway sectors. By 1881, the Bank had earned recognition for funding major European infrastructure projects.

Crédit Lyonnais’ London office, 1913

But history brought challenges. The First World War (1914–1918) disrupted European banking and financial relations, forcing London branches to adapt. In the 1920s, Crédit Lyonnais made a determined comeback, combining French expertise with a deep understanding of the British market. By then, it was financing international companies and establishing a strong presence in the City.
As Europe faced the Second World War, London became a high-risk zone and international activity declined dramatically. Cross-border transaction restrictions forced the branch to focus primarily on local operations and asset preservation. It was in this context that, in the 1940s, the French government tasked Banque de l’Indochine with opening a London branch to help maintain operations in the sterling zone: “The coordination of Franco-British efforts, both in the economic sphere and in the military field [...] clearly justifies these measures without the need for further emphasis.” (annual report, financial year 1940).
After 1945, Crédit Lyonnais gradually returned to the international stage, rebuilding its presence in global finance and establishing the foundations for the Group’s modern international network.

The 1970s marked the beginning of a new wave of growth in the UK. In 1976, Crédit Lyonnais relocated to 30 Cannon Street, establishing a presence at the heart of the City.
Diversification defined the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1975, Banque de l’Indochine merged with Banque de Suez to form Banque Indosuez. Then, in 1984, Crédit Agricole opened its own London branch, thereby strengthening its presence in the UK. Crédit Agricole also established asset management operations in London, reflecting the growing importance of the City as a global investment hub.

From left to right: Caisse Nationale de Crédit Agricole in London, 1980s; Banque Indosuez in London, 1983

The 1990s marked a period of consolidation. In 1990, Crédit Lyonnais moved its UK headquarters to Broadwalk House on Appold Street, which is still home to Crédit Agricole UK today.

Crédit Lyonnais’ London office, 1990s
 

During this decade, both Banque Indosuez and Crédit Agricole expanded their services in the areas of capital markets, private banking, and structured finance. These developments paved the way for unification when, in 2003, Crédit Agricole acquired Crédit Lyonnais and the two banks merged to form Calyon. This was a decisive step in establishing a stronger, more unified group presence in London.

Since 2010, Crédit Agricole CIB has developed a modern, global identity, strengthening its presence in London across capital markets, financing, investment banking, and securities services.
The creation of Amundi and the transformation of Calyon into Crédit Agricole CIB in 2010 marked the beginning of a unified Group identity. Building on this momentum, CACEIS expanded its presence in the UK in 2013 by opening a sales office in London, and later established a custodian bank branch to reinforce its commitment to local clients.
Throughout periods of uncertainty – such as the 2016 Brexit referendum – the Group has demonstrated resilience and long-term commitment to the UK market. More recently, the acquisition of Wealth Dynamix by Indosuez Wealth Management in 2023 and the launch of CA Auto Finance have highlighted our capacity to innovate and diversify.
Today, in 2025, Crédit Agricole in the UK brings together six entities and 1,600 professionals under one banner. Our platform continues to grow and evolve, providing clients with bespoke financial solutions while reflecting our strategic vision and ambitious plans.

Crédit Agricole UK, 2025
 

From financing railways in the 19th century to supporting ESG strategies in the 21st century, Crédit Agricole’s journey in the UK is one of vision, resilience, and reinvention.
Our history, marked by crises, recoveries, bold expansions, and strategic mergers testifies to the pioneering spirit that continues to guide us.

As we celebrate 155 years in the UK, we honour the generations who built this legacy. Looking to the future, we are committed to writing the next chapter together, guided by the same values of excellence, loyalty and responsibility.